§ Mr. GunnellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many instances since the introduction of mineral planning guidance note 3 appeals against local authority refusals to agree opencasting have been allowed by his Department; and which local authorities were involved.
§ Mr. BaldryThe Department's records show that the number of planning appeals granted for opencast sites were as follows:
112W
Planning Authority Number Barnsley 2 Derbyshire 8 County Durham 16 Gateshead 2 Lancashire 1 Leeds 2 Norfolk 1 North Tyneside 1 Northumberland 6 Staffordshire 2 Wakefield 3 Wigan 1 Total 45
§ Mr. GunnellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many instances since the introduction of mineral planning guidance note 3 the costs of appeals against local authority refusals to agree opencasting have been awarded against the local authorities; and what is the breakdown of such costs by authority.
§ Mr. BaldryThis information is not readily available. It could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. GunnellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many instances since the introduction of mineral planning guidance 3 the costs of appeal against local authority refusals to agree opencasting have been paid by his Department; and what is the total sum involved.
§ Mr. BaldryNone.